Latrine add-on for people with mobility restrictions
A simple and sturdy solution that can be easily mounted on the latrine slabs currently used in emergency settings.
The solution responds to UNICEF's strategic priorities that
addresses the needs of children and adults with disabilities within
the sanitation area in refugee camps and settlements.
Current latrines used in refugee camps and rural settlements do
not include components for enabling access by elderly or people
with mobility restrictions, including children. A renewed focus on
equity in UNICEF's strategic priorities has addressed the needs of
children and adults with disabilities within the sanitation area in
refugee camps and settlements. ICONO responded to UNICEF's Target
Product Profile by developing a latrine add-on that improves
sanitation facilities for people with mobility restrictions in
refugee camps and settlements.
TEAM
Peter Bysted and Philip Egebak
Kristine Sorgenfri Hansen, University of Copenhagen
(hygiene and cultural aspects)
The ICONO-latrine add-on solution consists of 3 elements that
improves accessibility and hygiene:
1. A lightweight, interlaced stainless steel tube frame to be
mounted on the existing latrine slab to function as a rigid support
for the bowl. The frame has a minimal footprint on the slab
ensuring best possible cleaning of slab and frame.
2. A combined seat and bowl that is easily clicked on the
stainless steel frame. A slick surface ensures best possible
cleaning - also with reduced use of water.
3. A silicone seal attached to the bowl to ensure a significant
reduction of smell and invasion of insects from the pit.
As a unique initiative, UNICEF inspired an innovative collaborative
design process with ICONO to take part in an end user field trial
in Angola.
Field-testing was a unique opportunity to receive user feedback and
re-design the product accordingly. UNICEF installed a number of
prototypes in a refugee camp in the Northern part of Angola and
developed a structured evaluation test with research
protocols.
ICONO was invited to participate in collecting data on-site and
speak with the users directly.
The test provided feedback from the people who assembled the
latrine add-on, the users (persons with disabilities and the
elderly) and from those who maintain and clean the toilets.
On-site testing provided ICONO with valuable feedback that was used
to improve the final product based on user acceptability and market
feasibility.
Field test improved the solution
As a unique initiative, UNICEF inspired an innovative
collaborative design process with ICONO to take part in an end user
field trial in Angola.
Field-testing was a unique opportunity to receive user feedback
and re-design the product accordingly. UNICEF installed a number of
prototypes in a refugee camp in the Northern part of Angola and
developed a structured evaluation test with research protocols.
ICONO was invited to participate in collecting data on-site and
speak with the users directly. The test provided feedback from the
people who assembled the latrine add-on, the users (persons with
disabilities and the elderly) and from those who maintain and clean
the toilets. On-site testing provided ICONO with valuable feedback
that was used to improve the final product based on user
acceptability and market feasibility.
